Mrs. Willa McNeal—A Valuable Volunteer

Willa McNeal being presented with a framed certificate by an appreciative patron.

West End Library is blessed with wonderful volunteers who give back to their community every week. This week, we gave recognition to one of them, Willa McNeal. Approximately three years ago, West End was given $2000 to start an After School Reading Program that would help students improve their reading skills as well as encourage a love of reading. Knowing that the library staff didn’t have the time to administer the program themselves, we started looking for someone capable of running the program. In the process of looking, Willa McNeal, retired Registered Nurse, was recommended. Willa didn’t want money, she just wanted to help young students.

The West End Library After School Reading Program has been able to serve approximately 12-15 students per week during the past two years we have hosted the program. This summer, Willa started the West End Math Enrichment Program and tutored students in math. To show our appreciation for her hard work and dedication, the parents of students she tutors, staff of West End Library and West End community friends, chipped in and had taco salads for lunch and a beautiful cake for dessert. Mrs. McNeal received a card and framed certificate to show how much we love her.

West End staff member Judith Kebe surrounded by children from the After School Reading Program.

Maya Jones
West End Library